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PORT DOVER
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This quaint resort town has experienced great growth in last few years and now has a population of around 5,500 people.
In 1794 the area was first settled by a group of United Empire Loyalists, and at that time the town was known as Dover Mills.
American soldiers burned the community down during the War of 1812.
Port Dover was once a principal Harbour on Lake Erie at one time had the largest fresh water fishing fleet in the world.
There is an interesting Fishermen's Memorial on the Pier in memory of all those who have lost their lives in the fishing industry.
I think that we often overlook the dangerous conditions under which the brave fishermen work, to provide us with the bounty of the Lakes. When you are in Port Dover, take a moment at the Memorial to remember them.
LakeLand Boating - Lake Erie Cruising Guide
There is the fishing Charter,
Southcoast Sport Fishing
where Norv and Pam Boufford, will take you out to fish for Chinook Salmon, Laker, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Coho and Walleye.
To the uninitiated, like me, who know that salmon comes in a can - fishing is a mystery, but apparently the skipper of the "Sea Star" will take you out for some of the best Lake Erie fishing in Southern Ontario!
If you like, you can even take part in the Great Ontario Salmon Derby which is being held between July 7th and August 25th 2007.
Each Friday 13th thousands of Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gather in Port Dover - the Bikers' gathering attracts tens of thousands of people from all over Canada and USA. sometimes as many as 75,000 bikers and spectators at a time!
In 2007 there is a Friday the 13th in both April and July, so rev up your engines and head for the Lake!
Usually when my family head for Port Dover, we go for a fish dinner at Callahan's Beach House restaurant on the beach. Their fish dishes are superb and we always have an enjoyable meal.
You may dine in the restaurant or outside on the patio.
At the Summer Festival held at Powell Park, you will find Arts, Crafts, gift ideas and games - this annual event was held on the 18th & 19th of August 2007. As soon as I know the dates of the Summer Festival 2008, I will post them here on this site.
Also in Powell Park you can enjoy the Summer Evening Band Concerts each Sunday evening at 6:30pm throughout July & August.
In nearby Simcoe you can catch the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, where they are proud to be celebrating 167 years of their Fall Fair. This year this event runs October 2nd - 8th.
On November there is an unusual Santa Claus arrival - I have seen lots of Christmas Parades, but this is the only one I have ever seen where Santa arrives by fishing boat!
The jolly fellow arrives on a tug boat then parades through town where there is a community bonfire, Christmas Caroling and fireworks.
After the Santa Claus parade, the local merchants have Moonlight Madness shopping until late in the night and this is the official start of the Christmas Season in Port Dover!
Links to Port Dover
Port Dover Friday 13th Motorcycle Information
Lighthouse Festival Theatre
Norfolk County Tourism Site
Bayshore Cottages
Baker's Bed & Breakfast By The Lake
Great Ontario Salmon Derby
Photograph on this page is reproduced by kind permission of Jeff Rozema
